September 2014

President’s Message

Bushfire Season Preparation

The Shire has deferred the commencement of our “Restricted” burning period until 3rd October to allow land owners to burn off dead vegetation without the need for a Shire permit. Unless the Restricted period is again deferred, Shire permits to burn will be required after the 3rd October. Whilst a permit is not currently required, please take all due care to ensure any fire remains fully controlled. The prohibited burning period starts on 15th November so after that date, there is a general total ban on burning.

Borneo Exhibition Group’s “Sandakan” Display
The above display is located in the Northam Lesser Town Hall until the 5th October. Sandakan was one of the prisoner of war (PoW) camps in the 2nd World War which the Japanese army ran in Borneo and unfortunately a great many prisoners died on “death marches” to Ranau in 1945. The display is well worth a visit and entry is free of charge.

Military Parade Sunday 12th October
To mark the 100th anniversary of the commencement of the 1st World War in 1914, the Northam RSL is hosting a parade event with a highlight being a contingent of the 10th Light Horse regiment on horseback riding along Fitzgerald Street to Bernard Park. Northam was a training camp for many soldiers who departed for Turkey (Gallipoli), Egypt, France and other Western Front destinations so this tribute parade to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country is timely. Hugo Throssell, son of local icon George Throssell, was awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery under fire in August, 1915 at Gallipoli so it is highly fitting that we all recognise the service to Australia by all of our armed forces.

Signage Local Planning Policy
The Shire is seeking comments on a draft “Advertising signage local planning policy 16”. The policy looks at about a dozen styles of advertising signage and proposes planning requirements for those signs. I encourage all business owners to become familiar with the draft and provide a submission if you are concerned with any element of the draft. If endorsed by Council, the draft will become a policy of Council and must be complied with. Signage control is also covered in part 3 of our “Activities on Thoroughfares and Public Places and Trading Local Law 2008”, where permits are required for certain advertising, election and portable direction signs.

Weed Management
The Shire is currently working through a program to reduce the volume of weeds growing throughout the Shire but this is a huge task and resources cannot be allocated everywhere at once. Could I encourage all residents to do their bit by addressing their property and also the verges adjacent to their property? We are trying to encourage others to live in our Shire and visual amenity is an easy way to give the impression that the place is loved and cared for by its community.

Library News

October is Health and Gardening month as we celebrate spring here at the Northam Library starting with a series of workshops and presentations aimed at helping both the amateur and all the green thumbs out there. There will be a range of workshops from pruning, flower arranging further details are available on the library webpage at www.northam.wa.gov.au/libraries.aspx or email Hayley [email protected].
And to help you get healthy before summer arrives we have a series of quest presenters speaking on various aspects of healthy living:

Story Rhyme Time for the 0-5 year olds in the Children’s Library is proving popular from 10-11am each week in the Children’s Library.
Our craft events continue to prove popular so please make sure you reserve your place early on. Details are available on the web page and crafts and presenters bio’s can be viewed in the library the week before.

After School Art and Craft Monday’s at Northam Library starting from 13 October 2014 till 8 December 2014 between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. This program is for ages 5 to 12. There’s only limited number of places.
For further information, please contact Hayley at [email protected]

Living History Exhibition Tour in Northam

The Returned & Services League of Australia WA Branch Incorporated (RSLWA) is proud to present From War to Remembrance - A Living History of the RSL, a travelling exhibition created to celebrate the formation, purpose and the many and varied activities of the RSL throughout WA.
Visitors to the travelling exhibition can read about the history of the organisation, the RSL’s involvement in supporting veterans and their dependents, and role within the local community. The exhibition features photographs from the archives of the RSL and the State Library of Western Australia and access to an online interactive map detailing the formation and activities of the sub-branches of the RSL throughout WA.
For more information visit, http://www.rslwahq.org.au/Events/From-War-to-Remembrance-A-Living-History-of-the-RSL.aspx
This free exhibition in Northam Public Library starts from 5 October 2014 till 15 November 2014 between 9am and 5pm.

Wundowie Library News

Wundowie Library is holding a series of introductory computing and internet classes on Friday’s between 10am and 2.00pm, a laptop and your lunch are all you need to bring. The workshops are free, however bookings are essential, to reserve a place in the class ring Kaye on 9573 6344.
Anyone who loves a game of Scrabble, Euchre or Chess will want to head down to the Wundowie Library on Saturday’s, the gaming starts at 9.30 and goes through to 11.30am.
Lego Club on a Friday’s is full; however you are welcome to place your child’s name on the waiting list with Kaye.
The Community Resource Rooms at both libraries are available to all community groups free of charge so, if your book club, writing group support group is looking for a place to meet then email Hayley at
[email protected].